UPDATED 9.10am: Nine fire crews are battling a large blaze at the Whakapara Marae in Northland.

The blaze began around 4am, and a lack of water meant putting the fire out was difficult.

 

It's just north of Whangarei but getting water to the site is difficult.

Fire Service' shift commander Megan Ruru says the building is about 10 metres by 20 metres.

"It's been identified to us as being the wharekai, or the dining room building, so it was well abalze when the fire service arrived."

Liaison Officer Wayne Martin says iwi arrived to see the dining hall completely destroyed.

"They're just getting over the shock of it at the moment. They'll sit down themselves and get a plan together about how to move on from here."